KEY POINTS
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City Power’s internal investigation exposed widespread theft and bribery.
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47 employees fired and multiple managers suspended for misconduct.
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CEO Mashava calls for integrity to ensure reliable service to the community.
City Power in Johannesburg has launched a major internal clean-up operation following a year-long investigation that exposed widespread criminal activities involving employees and contractors.
The investigation, which was endorsed by CEO Tshifularo Mashava, led to the firing of 47 employees and the suspension of multiple managers. This operation targeted a range of offenses, including cable theft, fraud, bribery, and collusion with contractors.
Among those dismissed were electricians, security officers, team leaders, and senior managers. The company revealed that these workers were involved in a well-coordinated scheme to destroy infrastructure for personal gain.
The impact of these criminal activities has been far-reaching, disrupting electricity services and causing significant financial losses.
Corruption, theft, and bribery uncovered within City Power ranks
The investigation uncovered numerous incidents of theft and fraud among City Power employees. Security officers, who were tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, were involved in cable theft valued at R350,000.
Two security guards were arrested for stealing four drums of cables, while another guard was apprehended in Fourways for digging up cables alongside an electrician, IOL reported. These thefts were part of a broader network of criminal activities involving employees within the company.
In addition to theft, bribery played a significant role in the investigation. Two electricians were arrested for soliciting bribes from customers in exchange for avoiding electricity disconnections.
Procurement fraud was also exposed, with City Power discovering unauthorized approvals, duplicate job numbers, and employee collusion with contractors. These findings revealed a troubling pattern of dishonest behavior within the organization, undermining the utility’s operations and financial stability.
CEO Tshifularo Mashava stresses the importance of integrity
In response to these revelations, CEO Tshifularo Mashava emphasized the importance of maintaining operational integrity at City Power.
He highlighted the company’s commitment to providing reliable services to the community and vowed to take strong action against any employees or contractors engaged in fraudulent activities.
Mashava made it clear that those found guilty of corruption or theft would face severe consequences. His message to both employees and contractors was clear: integrity is paramount, and anyone caught manipulating the system will be held accountable.
